Credit: AP

Yankees closer Mariano Rivera talks back to catcher Francisco Cervelli, not seen, during a bullpen session at baseball spring training at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Fla., Monday.

TAMPA, Fla. — A few yards away from Mariano Rivera’s locker, Mark Teixeira talked about his brief, past history of uncomfortable at-bats against the Yankees’ closer, and what Rivera still means to the club at age 40.

"He’s the guy that is as important," Teixeira said, "or the most important piece to our championship."

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